Atsuko Ikeda Obata, 91, of Gilroy, CA, died August 21, 2012. She was born Atsuko Ikeda on November 21, 1921, in Gardena, CA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Yeizo Ikeda and Satsu Ikeda, brothers, Hiroshi Ikeda and Kunio Ikeda
She is survived by her husband Jack Obata, son Alan Obata (Kevin Heath), daughter Teri Hinmon (Tom), grandchildren Lauren Mantani (Matt), Jackie Iwanaga and Damon Iwanaga; her brothers Sam Ikeda and Don Ikeda; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Atsuko lived much of her early life in Salinas and was sent to Japan for schooling. She spent several years in Poston, AZ Japanese Relocation Camps during WWII. In 1956 she moved to Gilroy and became very active in the local community.
In addition to being a talented professional seamstress, she taught Japanese to neighborhood children, took Ball Room Dancing, created stunning Ikebana flower arrangements, studied J! apanese calligraphy and made beautiful Japanese dolls. Atsuko was active in numerous local organizations including Gilroy JACL (where she was the very first female President), GALS, WIT and the volunteer program at St. Louise hospital.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 25th, 2012, at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gilroy JACL Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1238, Gilroy, CA 95021-1238.
Condolences and information at HabingFamilyFuneralHome.com
